As part of its overhaul of survey & certification-related items, including revisions to the Five-Star Quality Rating’s Health Inspection methodology, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a revised QSO Memo related to the COVID-19 PHE. The Memo, originally released on May 1, 2023, (QSO-23-13-ALL), “Guidance for the Expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE),” includes a significant update for nursing homes.
The revised Memo states that Focused Infection Control Surveys (FICS) will no longer be conducted as part of the standard survey process. If there are COVID-19 or other infection control concerns, including State Agencies are directed to conduct a complaint investigation. An important reminder, however, is that F880 Infection Prevention and Control is typically the most frequently cited Ftag on standard surveys in any given year – with or without a focused survey, so it’s a high-risk area to keep an eye on.
Read the revised QSO-25-23-ALL here.
Not sure your skilled nursing facility’s infection control practices are where they need to be? Contact CMSCG to discuss how our consultants can review your facility’s practices and Infection Control Plan to ensure you’re following best practices and in compliance with infection control regulations.
The current Survey Resources folder reflects this change, as the COVID-19 Survey folder has been removed. The instructions for Interim LTC Initial Survey and Certification Process have also been updated. NEW CE Pathway: The CMS-20054 Infection Prevention, Control & Immunizations Critical Element Pathway has also been revised. The current CE Pathway is dated 7/2025 and can be downloaded here. To get updates like these delivered right to your inbox, sign up here.
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